Lieberman reportedly cuts contact with opposition leaders as push for a national unity government intensifies in Israel

Summary

Israel's post-election deadlock has deepened as Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party and a former ally turned opponent of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has reportedly stopped taking calls from opposition leaders, according to Channel 12. The broadcaster said he has ignored calls from Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yashar party, and Naftali Bennett, leader of B'Yachad. Lieberman's party is projected to win seven seats, and he has previously ruled out joining a Netanyahu-led government or one that includes Palestinian-led parties. With more than 90 percent of votes counted, neither Netanyahu's outgoing bloc nor the Zionist opposition has the 61 seats needed for a majority. Palestinian-led parties are projected to win a record 19 seats and have offered to support an opposition-led minority government to keep Netanyahu out of power, but key opposition figures, including Lieberman, have rejected governing with Arab parties. A 'national unity' government involving a power-sharing arrangement between Netanyahu and major opposition parties has been floated as a way to break the deadlock and avert another election.

Timeline

1. Middle East Eye

   29 Oct 2026, 10:18 UTCSource ↗

   Middle East Eye reports, citing Channel 12, that Avigdor Lieberman has largely cut off contact with opposition leaders while efforts to form a 'national unity' government intensify.

2. Middle East Eye

   29 Oct 2026, 12:23 UTCSource ↗

   Middle East Eye's live blog reports, citing Channel 12, that Avigdor Lieberman has stopped taking calls from opposition leaders as the post-election deadlock persists.